Along Side Ministries, Phoenix
Mitchell Swaback Charities has completed a project at Along Side Ministries in Phoenix, Arizona. The project consisted of installing new ceilings, HVAC and new recessed lighting at their headquarters. Along Side is a jail ministry that works with individuals while they are incarcerated and continues once they are released. They truly care about these individuals sharing the love of Christ with them as they offer them affordable housing and mentorship after their release from prison.
The purpose of Along Side Ministries (ASM) is to prepare and assist Christian inmates with the transition process from prison to the streets. ASM is a Christian ministry that focuses on a relationship with Jesus Christ as the only hope for mankind and the vital link for an inmate’s staying out of prison.
ASM works with the Chaplain of the institution to identify inmates who have 12 to 18 months left to serve on their sentence. If the inmate qualifies for the program he/she will be matched with a Christian mentor from the community for approximately 8 months to bond in relationship and to begin working on a release plan. This all takes place while the inmate is still in prison. At the time of release the inmate has a Christian friend and a plan for a successful transition.
After release the mentor and ex-offender work together to implement the plan they have put together. A priority is to get the ex-offender established in a local church for fellowship and focused teaching on the word of God. From there the mentor and his match meet regularly for prayer and guidance in working the plan. The end result is a person from prison being established in the community of God and the world.
We currently have 71 men and 48 women involved in the program inside and outside of the prison setting. For those that complete our program, less than 10% return to prison. Nationally, 82% of those released from prison are re-arrested in 4 years. In Arizona 69% of those released return to prison in 3 years.
A changed heart with Christ as Savior and Lord is the key to success for the people who participate in our program. Without Him failure is eminent.
Alongside Ministries’ vision is to reach out to the incarcerated with the love of Christ and assist these men and women to successfully transition from prison back into the local community.
For more information about Along Side Ministries, please visit their web site >
Comments
There aren't any comments yet, be the first!